Bound by Lust

Esme had spent too long letting Kael control the dynamic between them. His cold indifference, his deliberate attempts to provoke her—it had all been a game to him, and she was tired of being the one reacting.

So, she decided to change the rules.

The morning air was crisp as the golden sun filtered through the massive windows of Kael's estate. Esme sat in the grand lounge, her posture relaxed, flipping through a book she had no real interest in. Across the room, Kael was seated on the leather couch, focused on his laptop. He hadn't spared her a glance all morning, but she knew he was aware of her presence.

Fine, she thought. If he wanted to act indifferent, she'd show him just how little she cared.

"Lucan," Esme called out casually, her voice light, teasing.

Kael's fingers hesitated slightly over his keyboard, but he didn't look up.

Lucan, who had just walked in, raised a brow. "Yes?"

Esme gave him a smile, one softer than necessary. "Are you free later? I was thinking of taking a walk around the gardens. It's been a while since I had good company."

Lucan hesitated, glancing at Kael briefly before responding. "If that's what you want, sure."

Kael's expression remained neutral, but Esme didn't miss the way his jaw tensed slightly.

She leaned back into her seat, stretching her arms lazily. "Great," she murmured, deliberately ignoring Kael's presence. "I could use some fresh air."

Silence settled in the room.

Kael shut his laptop with an audible click. "Lucan has work to do," he said, his tone as smooth as ever, but Esme could hear the edge beneath it.

Lucan blinked. "I—"

"Go handle the reports I sent earlier," Kael cut in.

Lucan frowned , sparing Esme a small glance before walking away.

Esme fought back a smirk. It was getting to Kael.

Kael stood up, adjusting the cuffs of his black shirt. He finally looked at her, his dark eyes unreadable. "I didn't realize you were in need of company, fiancée," he said smoothly.

Esme tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Oh? Well, you always seem too busy, so I figured I should find someone else to entertain me."

Kael took a slow step toward her, his gaze locked onto hers. "Is that what you want?"

Esme met his stare, refusing to back down. "Maybe."

Kael was silent for a moment. Then, without warning, he leaned down, bracing a hand on either side of her chair, effectively trapping her.

The sudden proximity sent a shiver down her spine, but she masked it well.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Esme," he murmured, his voice laced with amusement.

Esme lifted a hand, trailing a single finger along the hem of his sleeve as she looked up at him through her lashes. "Am I?" she whispered.

Kael's lips twitched, as if he found her attempt amusing. "You don't want to test me."

Esme let out a soft chuckle. "And here I thought you liked games, Kael."

His gaze darkened slightly, but he pushed off the chair, straightening up. "Careful, fiancée. You might not like the consequences of playing with me."

Esme only smiled, tilting her head. "Oh, I'm counting on it."

Kael studied her for another long moment before turning and walking away, his movements fluid, effortless. But Esme didn't miss the tension in his shoulders.

For the first time, she had managed to throw him off balance.

And she had every intention of doing it again.

****. ****. ****.